Episode 32: The Butler’s Choice

After riding Noctis for a while, I spotted a carriage waiting for me along the highway. I dismounted Noctis and stepped back inside the carriage.

“Where had you gone off to?”

To Evan’s question, I briefly recounted the events that had just transpired.

“To think you’d use His Majesty’s sealed letter in such a way…”

Having heard everything, Evan muttered in a tone laced with astonishment.

“I, who have not a shred of loyalty to the king, saying such things—it’s almost laughable to myself. But it’s best to use whatever tools are at hand, don’t you think?”

“…So, as expected, Lord Siegfried holds no loyalty toward His Majesty.”

“Exactly. As I’ve said before, my aim is world domination. Overthrowing the king is my immediate goal.”

Those words could easily be deemed high treason, but I have no intention of hiding them from Evan.

It’s not because I trust Evan… but rather because I’ve considered that if Evan were to report my words and I were executed for treason, I’d be fine with that outcome.

Falling to the betrayal of a trusted confidant would be a fitting end for a villain. Not that I plan to go down so easily, of course.

“…”

Evan closed his eyes for a moment, falling silent.

“To be honest… Lord Siegfried’s ambitions are far too grand for someone like me. I can’t help but wonder if this old body can truly be of use to your magnificent dreams. Truthfully, I feel uneasy.”

Evan, despite his remarkably youthful appearance for his age, must feel the weight of his years in his own way.

I thought he might say he could no longer “keep up” with me. But the old gentleman surprised me with unexpected words.

“So, Lord Siegfried, I have a request. Would you please turn me into a vampire?”

“Oh…?”

“If you, Lord Siegfried, have become a vampire, then it must be possible for me to become one as well. Am I mistaken?”

“No, it’s entirely possible for you to become a vampire.”

In fact, that’s something I had hoped for. But I never expected Evan to volunteer for it himself.

Vampires, even in this world, are reviled beings—monsters, despised by many as inhuman.

“Are you serious? If it were to be discovered that you’re a vampire, you’d be hunted by the Holy Church’s inquisitors… or even by the kingdom and adventurers alike.”

Though, in truth, I believe the likelihood of that happening is low.

Celestina is a vampire who has overcome the sun. Unlike typical vampires, she doesn’t burn under sunlight, making her indistinguishable in such obvious ways. Those who inherit her blood and become vampires are the same.

Even if Evan became a vampire, it’s unlikely his nature would be easily exposed. But for now, I chose not to mention that, instead probing Evan’s resolve.

“Even if it means making an enemy of the kingdom, if it allows me to be of use to you, I wish to gain the power of a vampire. That is my conviction.”

“Why go so far to serve me?”

For a moment, Evan’s gaze drifted to the window, as if reminiscing about a distant past.

“I, too… in my youth, had dreams. Dreams of making this world a better place.”

“Oh? That’s unexpected.”

In a way, it’s not so different from my own path as a villain—striving to make the world more interesting by paving the way for other villains to shine.

Evan gave a wry smile, tinged with a hint of embarrassment.

“Haha, such a wish was far too grand for someone like me. But everyone, in their youth, harbors such lofty dreams. Yet… I could never take the first step toward mine. I grew old without leaving any mark on the world.”

Evan is an exceptional butler. It’s no exaggeration to say that during my father’s time, the Kreving family was able to maintain itself largely because of Evan.

Had the Kreving family collapsed, many of the territory’s people would have fallen into poverty.

In that sense, it’s an overstatement to say Evan had no impact on the world.

But—the regret of not reaching his dreams was vividly etched in Evan’s expression.

“To be honest, I don’t fully understand all of your ideals, Lord Siegfried. But… the way you charge toward your dreams is, to me, dazzling beyond measure.”

Pausing to take a breath, Evan continued quietly.

“Though your path differs from mine, you are walking the road I could not. To serve you… has become a new dream that has sprouted in me, even at this age.”

The old gentleman’s unwavering gaze met mine.

“Please, for the sake of that dream… turn me into a vampire.”

“Heh…”

A faint smile curved my lips.

“Evan, even if you become a vampire for my sake… I won’t feel indebted to you, nor will I do anything for your sake. But I will promise you this: I will never stop walking my path.”

“…Yes. That is my greatest wish.”

“Is that so? Then continue to bear witness to the path I tread. Right by my side.”

“Yes…!”

And so, the butler, Evan Easton, chose the path of becoming a vampire.

◇

After passing through several cities around the capital, an enormous wall came into view. The white, fortified ramparts encircled the capital, protecting it from external threats.

The walls were imbued with magic, impervious to all but the most powerful attacks. A formidable magical barrier stretched overhead, equipped with interception functions to repel hostile forces—an impregnable defensive stronghold.

Conceived by a great sorcerer and completed over many years, this was the legendary Magia Valm, the Eternal Arcane Wall.

“Truly, this wall is the symbol of the Kirchhen Kingdom.”

Though many nations exist on this continent, few boast a wall of such grandeur.

To those living within, it is a sanctuary. But for me, who aims to one day overthrow the king, the interior of these walls is nothing less than enemy territory.

“Just to be clear… you could wait outside the walls if you prefer, Evan.”

For now, I have no intention of immediately challenging the king. But since the reason for the king’s summons is unclear, I can’t predict what might happen.

In the worst case, I could end up at odds with the king here. If that happens, Evan’s life would be at risk as well.

“What are you saying, Lord Siegfried?”

The old gentleman smiled calmly.

“I will remain by your side as much as possible.”

“Heh… a foolish question on my part. Very well, let’s go. It’s time to face the supreme ruler of this nation—the one I will one day bring down.”